MSPs set to debate college support

Nov 22 2012

The Education Secretary is to ask MSPs to welcome Government support for colleges two days after apologising for using the wrong figures in a debate.

Michael Russell agreed to a fresh debate on the college sector after calls by the Liberal Democrats.

He has also faced opposition criticism for his handling of a row over a secretly-taped meeting which led to the resignation of a college chairman.

Kirk Ramsay left his job at Stow College in Glasgow claiming there had been a gross over-reaction to his decision to record a large private meeting where Mr Russell made a speech on the future of the college sector.

Calling for the debate this week, Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur said: "Over the last few weeks the Education Secretary's support for Scotland's colleges and the 300,000 students they support has seemed flaky at best. Having apologised to the Parliament, the Education Secretary must now demonstrate his willingness to respond positively to the concerns being raised by the college sector. As well as looking again at his funding cuts, Mr Russell should reconsider the pace at which he is requiring colleges to merge, cut staff and remove courses."

On Tuesday, Mr Russell offered a "full and unreserved" apology for using the wrong budget figure.

Last week, First Minister Alex Salmond also apologised. He said resource funding for colleges was £545 million in 2011-12 and £546 million in 2012-13. However, he explained the figure of £545 million for last year did not take into account changes to the budget and should have been £555.7 million, meaning college spending has fallen more than £9 million this year.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Today's debate will be an opportunity to focus on the key role that colleges and their staff play in supporting our young people, communities and the economy.

"Regionalisation, alongside maintaining both the volume of teaching and full-time equivalent student numbers, will ensure that college provision is being prioritised to better address economic needs and support young people at risk of unemployment.

"Colleges are also central to the delivery of Opportunities for All, our specific commitment to offer every 16-19 year old a place in education or training."